Cowboy rode into Cortez after a hard ride from New Mexico. He had delivered some cattle to a rancher friend and made a quick turnaround. His lips were parched, his clothes sweaty, and his horse needed a rest. Cowboy pulled up at Smitty’s Saloon to get a cool drink and a short rest. Cowboy did not want conversation or trouble so he took a chair at a small table in the back of saloon.
Shortly, through the door walked three dirty, shabby looking men. They had sweat stained hats and appeared to have ridden hard and far recently. They walked up to the bar and ordered two bottles of whiskey. While two of the men stayed at the bar, the third man took his whisky and sat down at a table on the side of the room near Cowboy. The men at the bar soon became rowdy, threatening other customers, breaking glasses on the floor and throwing empty bottles at the bartender.
Suddenly the town Sheriff walked in with his gun drawn. He told the two rowdy men to drop their six shooters using two fingers only. They started to comply when the third man pulled his gun and aimed it at the Sheriff. Cowboy drew his gun in a flash and put it up to the third man’s head. Cowboy said “Drop the gun” . The Sheriff said “Thanks, Cowboy, I could use a Deputy like you”. Cowboy laughed and said “Naw, it is time for me to go home. Thanks anyway”.